Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a relatively common skin disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. It affects both sexes and can occur at any stage of life, although it starts most frequently in young adults.

Psoriasis is a common non-contagious skin disorder that results in red, scaly, thickened patches of skin. The most common areas affected by psoriasis include the scalp, knees, elbows, hands and feet, but the condition can occur anywhere on the body. During a cycle of about 28 days, our skin sheds cells and grows new ones.

In skin affected by psoriasis the rate at which your skin is replaced in the affected area is accelerated. New cells mix with old causing an accumulation on the skin leading to raised red lesions called plaques.

Types of psoriasis include:

Plaque psoriasis: scaly red patches commonly on the knees and elbows.

Guttate psoriasis: small, circular patches occur all over the body; more commonly affects children and young people.

Flexural psoriasis: affects folded areas of skin such as body folds and the genitals.

Erythrodermic psoriasis: rare and severe; skin becomes red and inflamed all over the body and requires hospitalisation.

Pustular psoriasis: rare; pustules develop on the skin.

Napkin psoriasis: affects infants in the nappy area.

Symptoms of psoriasis include thickened, red patches of skin, itchiness and painful and flaking skin.

Psoriasis can cause a form of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis. Usually the joints at the end of your fingers and toes are affected, although your back, knees and hips may be affected too.

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